If care being paid by Medicaid, then there is no balance for a NH. Also, there should be a Personal Needs Acct where a small amount of money from his SS went into the acct for personal needs. This goes to his estate and so does any spend down money he has left. Don't let them tell you it reverts back to Medicaid, it doesn't.
If he was private pay, why is there a balance? Just like renting an apt you may the first of the month for that month.
First thing is you have to be able to handle his finances. Either you are the Executor of his Will or if no Will you need to go to Probate and become an Administrator or if estate is small (my state under 20k) or sign an affidavit. With all 3 u will get a short certificate which gives you the ability to pay bills and talk to creditors. The funeral home should provide you with death certificates.
If there are bills and no money in his estate, then they don't get paid. You are not responsible for his debts.
How you distribute the money is another thing. Me, I would get rid of the small ones first. Credit cards? These u may be able to get lowered but it may be the last thing I worry about. You may want to freeze them though. NH bill, like I said, this should have been paid the first of the month for that months services. Not sure if you can make deals with them. They are usually privately owned.
Firstly this can only be done by the next of kin assigned for probate court if there is no will. Or by the executor of the will or Trustee of the Trust. That person may very well may be able to. You do it this way if you can. "My Mom left almost no estate and I do have bills. I would like to pay her bills, but they are overwhelming, and I don't know that I will be able to pay them with the funds she has left. Can someone speak to me about taking some amount on the dollar as full payment for this debt". If they say no, let them know that they have entered the line, and you will consider first those willing to negotiate. Even hospitals are often willing to negotiate. IF they accept it you need to be VERY CERTAIN to get a paid in full, payment accepted as full payment, and etc. or they can come back at you. Check the rules in your State. Wishing you good luck.
If he was private pay, why is there a balance? Just like renting an apt you may the first of the month for that month.
First thing is you have to be able to handle his finances. Either you are the Executor of his Will or if no Will you need to go to Probate and become an Administrator or if estate is small (my state under 20k) or sign an affidavit. With all 3 u will get a short certificate which gives you the ability to pay bills and talk to creditors. The funeral home should provide you with death certificates.
If there are bills and no money in his estate, then they don't get paid. You are not responsible for his debts.
How you distribute the money is another thing. Me, I would get rid of the small ones first. Credit cards? These u may be able to get lowered but it may be the last thing I worry about. You may want to freeze them though. NH bill, like I said, this should have been paid the first of the month for that months services. Not sure if you can make deals with them. They are usually privately owned.
That person may very well may be able to. You do it this way if you can.
"My Mom left almost no estate and I do have bills. I would like to pay her bills, but they are overwhelming, and I don't know that I will be able to pay them with the funds she has left. Can someone speak to me about taking some amount on the dollar as full payment for this debt". If they say no, let them know that they have entered the line, and you will consider first those willing to negotiate. Even hospitals are often willing to negotiate.
IF they accept it you need to be VERY CERTAIN to get a paid in full, payment accepted as full payment, and etc. or they can come back at you.
Check the rules in your State. Wishing you good luck.